Scott Thomas said after the performance: "I'm quite overwhelmed. I feel like I've been through the mill. It is a descent into madness which is your nightmare."

Barratt said: "I thought it was tremendous. I really loved where it was set and liked the moments of black humour."

He added that he had particularly enjoyed Michael Gould's Polonius. Orange said he "loved it" and added: "It was brilliant."

Members of Sheen's family, including his parents, were also at the theatre for the play, which takes audience members on a "pre-show journey" through backstage areas before they enter on the stage itself.

Sheen has previously won critical acclaim for his portrayal of former prime minister Tony Blair, interviewer David Frost and football manager Brian Clough.

Other cast members include Sally Dexter as Gertrude, James Clyde as Claudius and Vinette Robinson as Ophelia.

The play, to run until January 21, sold out soon after tickets went on sale.